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Travel: Review of Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous and visited attractions in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a Scandinavian styled spa (i.e. it has outdoor hot water pool) that is naturally heated with geothermal energy. All the water in the pool is refreshed every two days so that you are not sitting in filth.

Things to Consider Packing:

Swim Suit

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Face Cream

Waterproof Camera (Optional)

Towel (Optional)

Flip Flops (Optional)

Hair Brush (for Women)

Beauty supplies (for Women)

Getting to the Blue Lagoon:

The Blue Lagoon is situated approximately 50 minutes away from Reykjavik. Alternatively, if you are coming in from the airport, it is only 20 minutes away. You can drive to the location yourself as there is ample parking and this gives you the flexibility to stay as long as you want. Alternatively, most tour companies will take you to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or from your hotel in Reykjavik. Gray Line and Reykjavik Excursions will also take you to the airport from the Blue Lagoon or back to your accommodations.

TIP: If are you coming from the airport or plan on leaving for the airport from the Blue Lagoon, there are lockers on site in a separate building right by the tour bus drop off location. It costs approximately $5 CAD per bag. They accept credit cards so you don’t have to worry about currency.

Pricing:

There are four different packages which have a variety of features which is seen below:From a value standpoint, if I were to go back, I would choose the Standard package. The main benefit to the Premium/Luxury packages that I saw was that you got to bypass the line to buy the package. However, if you go early in the morning (which I highly recommend that you do), the line isn’t too busy. Everything else is just nice to have. I mean are the table reservations, use of towels and bathroom or the cheap flip-flops really worth an additional $20 CAD?

Similar to other baths in Europe, all your information is stored in a wrist band. It acts as your entrance into and exit out of the Blue Lagoon. It also will be the key to your locker. Payments will also be expensed on your wristband.

In the Change Room

Once you are through the entrance, you’ll see that there are several change rooms. On quiet days, you will only have access to one change room. Depending on the package you got, you may be in the exclusive change room. I’m only going to talk about the main changing rooms though. Once you get in, there are little stations where you can get ready after you’re finished at the bath. They have hair dryers, cotton swabs, mirrors and electrical outlets. On the other side, there are racks for you to put your shoes. Icelandic people are very hygienic when it comes to baths so you will be required to switch to flip-flops at a certain point.

There are many rows of lockers and you can use any available locker. Unlike traditional Icelandic pools, the Blue Lagoon has change rooms in every row of lockers for the more modest people. Once you are ready to go to the bath, you can lock your locker by simply shutting the door and scanning your wristband over the blue light in the center of the console. If you forget your locker number, there are stations that you can swipe your wristband over and it will tell you the number.

Heading over to the showers, there are hooks as well as a shelf for you to put your towel in on the sides. Personally, I find it super helpful to use the shelves as it keeps your stuff from getting mixed up with others. It is mandatory to shower before you go into the pool. Shower gel and conditioner are provided. Some of the showers have doors. Others do not. Depending on how modest you are, you can use the showers with the doors or not. Note, that you cannot go back into the locker room area without completely drying yourself off first. This helps to keep the locker area clean and dry (take note Canada).

Once you’re done showering, you can head into the pool. Most people take a towel or their bathrobe with them. There are hanging racks for you to put your stuff on. Personally, because you’re running in and out of the water, I don’t think it’s necessary to take it out and I prefer to leave it indoors so that it is warm and dry when I need it later.

In the Pool

There is only one main pool. There are different parts to the Blue Lagoon and some of the features include a Sauna, Steam room, waterfall, relaxation area and spa treatment area. There is also a drinks station where you can buy alcohol, smoothies and other drinks. Most of the packages include one free drink and most visitors take advantage of it. You can also pick up your Algae Mask from here if you are entitled to one. There are stations around the pool where you can put on an Algae mask which is supposed to be good for your skin.

TIP: Be careful not to get the water in your eyes when you are rinsing it off though. The water burns your eyes!

Leaving the Pool

Remember to shower before you head to the locker room area. As I mentioned earlier, there is shower gel and conditioner for you to use. It is recommended that you simply put conditioner in your hair so that you can absorb the nutrients. Personally, I found that my hair became a bit stiffer than normal and by the end of the day my hair had become a lighter shade. The water doesn’t cause any damage though.

Don’t forget that you need to be completely dry before you head into the locker area. Once you have changed, there are plastic bags in the beautification area for you to put your wet swim suits in.

Any other expenses that you may have incurred on your wristband will have to be paid before you can leave the Blue Lagoon. Even if you haven’t bought anything extra, you will need to stop at the cash register before you can leave so that they can validate what you purchased.

There is a shop where you can purchase skins products and souvenirs as you exit the Blue Lagoon. Many of the same products can be found at the airport. Buying it at the airport is beneficial as you don’t have to worry about getting a tax refund.